Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμά
blood
G129
αἷμά
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
5 of 17
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καινῆς
of the new
G2537
καινῆς
of the new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
9 of 17
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
διαθήκης
testament
G1242
διαθήκης
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Leviticus 17:11For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Revelation 7:14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.1 Corinthians 11:25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Zechariah 9:11As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Historical Context
Covenant ratification in the OT involved blood sacrifice (Exodus 24:8, Hebrews 9:18-22). Moses sprinkled blood on the people, saying 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' Jesus's words directly parallel this, establishing the new covenant in His own blood.
The phrase 'blood of the covenant' would have resonated powerfully with the disciples, recalling Sinai and God's covenant relationship with Israel. Now Jesus inaugurates something greater: a covenant securing not temporal land but eternal life; not through bulls and goats but through God's own Son.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the Lord's Supper as a 'new covenant' meal deepen our appreciation for its significance beyond mere memorial?
- What does it mean that Christ's blood was shed 'for many' rather than 'for all'—how does this relate to Reformed doctrines of particular redemption?
- How should the reality that Christ's blood secures 'remission of sins' give us complete assurance rather than uncertain hope of forgiveness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. This verse contains concentrated gospel theology. 'My blood' (τὸ αἷμά μου/to haima mou) refers to Christ's lifeblood, soon to be poured out on the cross. Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11); Jesus would give His very life as payment for sin.
'Of the new testament' (τῆς καινῆς διαθήκης/tēs kainēs diathēkēs)—better translated 'new covenant.' Jesus establishes a new covenant, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The old covenant, based on Israel's obedience and animal sacrifices, proved unable to save (Hebrews 8:7-8). The new covenant, ratified by Christ's blood, accomplishes what the old could not: complete forgiveness and transformed hearts.
'Which is shed' (ἐκχυννόμενον/ekchynnomenon)—present passive participle: 'being poured out.' Though crucifixion was hours away, Jesus spoke prophetically as if it were already happening. His death was certain, decreed in God's eternal plan.
'For many' (περὶ πολλῶν/peri pollōn)—not 'all' indiscriminately but 'many,' the elect chosen before time for salvation. Christ's blood is sufficient for all but efficient for the elect. He died as substitute for His people (Isaiah 53:11-12), actually bearing their specific sins and securing their certain redemption.
'For the remission of sins' (εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν/eis aphesin hamartiōn)—the purpose of the shedding: forgiveness, pardon, release from sin's guilt and penalty. Atonement is not potential but actual; Christ's blood doesn't merely make forgiveness possible but accomplishes it for those for whom He died.